Prebiotic Product May Help Lower Blood Glucose, Insulin Resistance

High blood glucose levels and insulin resistance are major risk factors for diabetes. A recent study suggests that a potato-derived digestion resistant starch prebiotic product may help lower insulin resistance and blood glucose levels in mature adults.

Participants in the study included 42 people who were age 70 or older, as well as 42 middle-aged adults. None of the participants had diabetes or pre-diabetes at the start of the study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of each group ingested 30 grams per day of potato-derived resistant starch in the form of a soluble powder, while the other half ingested a placebo.

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers noted significantly reduced blood glucose levels and lowered insulin resistance in the older adults. No significant change was noted in the middle aged adults.

The potato-derived digestion resistant starch used in this study was a prebiotic ingredient. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that nourish probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut.